Sheet Drive for Haiti Extended

SHEET DRIVE FOR HAITI - EXTENDED

Update: The Sheet Drive for Haiti's hurricane victims has been extended through the weekend. You are welcome to drop off today, Thursday or Friday or over the weekend at the Brooklyn Workshop Gallery (393 Hoyt between 2nd and 3rd).

Today, the Brooklyn Workshop Gallery on Hoyt Street in Red Hook will be gathering both FLAT sheets (used ok as long as they are clean) as well as feminine hygiene products for Haiti from 2pm to 9pm. 

Volunteer and Donation Needs in Red Hook Cleanup and Park Slope Shelters

A section from tonight's email from Councilmember Brad Lander:

Volunteer and Donation Needs this Weekend

The Park Slope Armory shelter (361 15th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues) needs volunteers who can work at least an 8 hour shift, longer would be great. Shifts start at 8 AM and 8 PM. If they have too many volunteers, you may be turned away, so be prepared for that.

The John Jay High School shelter (237 7th Avenue, between 4th & 5th Streets) needs day, evening, and overnight volunteers this weekend (especially, but not only, people with medical training). You need to be able to dedicate at least 6-8 hours and cannot bring your children.

There is still a huge need for your help in Red Hook (and thank you to everyone who has already volunteered). Here are several opportunities over the weekend:

I am very happy to report that the Office of Emergency Management has set up an office in Red Hook at 402 Van Brunt Street. At 10 AM on Saturday, they are looking for 100 volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts. Please bring tools, work gloves, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

Added Value, the Red Hook community farm (480 Columbia Street, across the street from IKEA) sustained extensive damage during the storm. About 100 volunteers will be working throughout the morning and will need a hot lunch. They are asking any kind souls to bring hot, cooked food to the farm at 1 PM on Saturday. Also, their computers were destroyed by Sandy and the farm would really appreciate a donation of an old computer or smart phone.

Red Hook Initiative has been doing amazing work this week on behalf of this community in need. They would still appreciate volunteers (at 767 Hicks Street) and donations of flashlights, ice, and medical supplies (but no clothes). Call 718-858-6782 for details.


Jalopy on Columbia Street is also accepting donations of: candles, lanterns or flashlights that can be worn or hung up, hand warmers, garbage bags, rubber gloves, batteries, buckets, towels, and warm blankets

Columbia Waterfront District After Irene

Minor flooding at Van Brunt and Union St

I took the dog out at 10:00am when he couldn't wait any longer. We walked up and down Columbia and Van Brunt and I didn't see any trees down or any damage or debris except for leaves and small branches. This large puddle on Van Brunt St and Union St was the worst of the flooding that I saw in the District. There must be some basement flooding close to the water, though, because I saw one basement flood through its open door and another basement getting water pumped out.

I didn't see any businesses open. If you see a local business open today, post in the comments. 

Glad our neighborhood was not too badly damaged. I hear that there is some bad flooding on Imlay Street in Red Hook and other neighborhoods.

Now the wind is picking up and the sun is coming out. What a crazy weekend.

A message from the 76th Precinct

A message from the 76th precinct: There have been numerous calls to the precinct inquiring as to whether or not they need to evacuate their homes. As the mayor has stated repeatedly if you live in "Zone A" you are in a mandatory evacuation zone. Much of the RedHook area is in "Zone A". If there are any questions as to what zone you reside in go to nyc.gov and click on hurricaine info.

Inquiries can be made to the 76 Precinct at (718) 834-3211, if that number is busy try (718) 834-3231. The mayor has requested that evacuees ride out the storm with friends or family. For those requiring shelter, the nearest evacuation centers are NYC Technical College located at 300 Jay Street, John Jay HS located at 237 4th Avenue , Brooklyn Tecnical HS located at 29 Fort Greene Place and Cobble Hill High School at 347 Baltic Street.

There will be increased patrols by the 76, to deter crime and aid those in need thoughout the duration of the storm.

Those requiring routine Police assistance are asked to call the numbers above, as well as utilizing the 311 system. As always, emergency situations should be called into 911. Be safe.